#i just think a lot about jean taking on the gunnhildr legacy and needing to figure out how to pay tribute without getting stuck in the past

[leifyposting]

“i will be better than my mother” not as a declaration of spite but as an act of tribute. you know?

not simply “i will be better than my mother because she messed me up and i refuse to be like her”

but instead “i will be better than my mother because she taught me to be, because she instilled these values into me even though she sometimes failed to live up to them”

“i will be better than my mother because she laid the foundation for me, because she shed the wrongs of the past as best as she could even if she could not lose all of them”

“i will be better than my mother because she would want me to be”

[followfire]

About Gunnhildr's Legacy's description

This is inspired by this post by @lilyandthegenshinbrainrot that gave me an overwhelming need to write down my thoughts, and just saying I’m going with a different interpretation so I didn’t want to hijack your post, but I really like your take too!! We don’t know that much about Seamus and while I don’t think we have much reasons to doubt him so far, since we don’t have much information it also means we can have very different interpretations of him, anything is possible and it’s fun to explore different things!

I don’t think Seamus keeping Frederica’s clothes after their divorce is suspect, I think it’s more likely for sentimental reasons… The way Frederica smiles before saying “Ah, it’s been so long. So, Seamus still kept it, huh?”�� I think she says it with a lot of fondness. It makes me think that Frederica and Seamus don’t hate each other. They can’t stand each other in their day to day life, they got a divorce for a reason, but they don’t hate each other. There’s still love, just not the kind of love that makes you happy to spend time every day with the other person.

As for the part where Frederica offers Jean the outfit… I’ve thought about this “if you don’t mind” a LOT, because it sounds a bit weird, you would expect “if you want” yet she doesn’t say it. But I don’t think it makes her sound like she is begging, I hear it as a more modest, more refrained “if you want”. Because Gunnhildrs are all about what they must, not what they want, it’s not in their vocabulary to talk about what they want. Plus… I think there’s something deeply personal about it that makes Frederica even more inclined to shy away from saying “want”… Because those clothes were her ceremonial clothes, from an important moment of her life. When you think about it, it’s kind of like a wedding dress: it’s clothes that you keep not because you intend to wear them but because they’re precious, for sentimental reasons, they’re mementos of a significant event. And there’s something highly personal, highly emotional about passing them to your daughter. I don’t think Frederica is good at showing affection, or rather she shows it through actions that don’t show her emotions, like giving a dress to Barbara, sewing Jean’s knight outfit, or generally being very present in Jean’s education, but she doesn’t smile a lot and she doesn’t say “I love you” out loud. I don’t think she’d be comfortable saying “those clothes mean a lot to me, and you mean a lot to me, so I would really really like if you would wear them”, but that’s the idea.

Also, I think it’s very important in her turn of phrase that it doesn’t carry any obligation. I think Frederica is hoping that Jean would want to take her old outfit. I think it means “you know you could take it if you wanted to.” But it’s not a duty. Frederica has already passed down a lot of duties to Jean, as a Gunnhildr, and I think she knows she holds a lot of authority in Jean’s eyes. I think she doesn’t want to convey that special authority in this moment, it’s very important that she doesn’t. For once, it’s not Gunnhildr’s heritage, it’s Frederica’s heritage, which is ironic since the outfit is literally called Gunnhildr’s Legacy, but if you think about it, it’s very personal, it belongs to Frederica first and foremost.

Alternatively, it’s possible that Frederica herself was not the type to attach sentimental value to things, so she might not care that much about her ceremonial clothes, while Seamus did, hence why he was the one who kept them and not Frederica. And now Barbara brings them (and it doesn’t seem like she mentioned it to her dad, maybe she took them without asking, maybe Seamus doesn’t know they’re gone, maybe he still wanted to keep them, hmm… rip i guess??) and she remembers, and she still doesn’t care that much about them personally, not enough to keep them, but… giving them to Jean seems like the best option. She’s not going to keep them in her wardrobe, but since the clothes have made it this far (thanks, Seamus), wouldn’t it look very good on her daughter?

[alchemania]

God I am thinking so hard, y'all. Sit down with me I'm going to articulate my thoughts.

I'm thinking about names and like...the weight behind them and the parallels we see in Genshin. For example, Diluc and Jean are held in high respects due to their lineage (Diluc in part to Crepus owning the winery but also due to the Ragnvindrs being part of the people who led the revolution), while Eula is ostracized for hers. Through no acts of their own, the way they are treated is already decided in part by who came behind them.

Jean Gunnhildr

Jean feels she has to bring honor not just to Mondstat but to her family as well. It's a heavy burden, but it's one she's willing to bear and she has a wonderful support system through the knights. Still though, she overworks herself because of this sense of duty and isn't good at setting personal boundaries and telling people no because she doesn't want to disappoint anyone. Ever since she was a kid, she was trained and while other kids got to be kids, Jean had to study and other stuff and a lot of her childhood was lost. (That's not to say that Frederica was a bad mother tho, just that she made Jean grow up too fast, her daughter became Dandelion Knight at 15!!) To a degree; Jean exuded toxic positivity: she felt she had to be strong for Mondstat, for her family, and for Lady Vennessa, who she looked up to; and she couldn't really let herself relax or be vulnerable due to this sense of duty engrained in her. Thankfully in her story quest she realized that she didn't have to live up to Vennessa to a T, and just be the best knight that SHE could be and that would still be bringing honor to the title of Dandelion Knight. It's like she said herself: "I'm definitely more of a dandelion than a lionfang". Jean is a good fighter, sure, but that's not how she deals with her issues for the most part. She is a peacemaker and often seeks the most gentle solutions; Jean is a nurturer at heart (and how fitting then, for her to be a healer); and a symbol of hope. Despite that, she needs to learn to put herself first and take care of herself too.

Diluc Ragnvindr

In Diluc's case, he is attempting to carry a legacy on his shoulders alone. Something I always found interesting is that Diluc's name literally translates to "dawn" from Latin while Crepus means "dusk", his father's death and passing on the torch is symbolic in more ways than one. Literally, the dusk disappeared to leave behind the dawn. And yet, Diluc is dubbed the Darknight Hero and most of his time exacting justice is done at night. Funny, that. I honestly believe that while Crepus was a good father, he projected a lot of himself onto Diluc and Diluc joining the Knights was in part, due to that. That's not to say him joining was bad, but merely that Diluc may have yet to actually figure out what HE wants to do for himself because a lot of things he did to earn his father's approval (and even now he takes care of his dad's winery and he doesn't even like alcohol). In his endeavors to ensure Crepus' legacy never died, I dare to say Diluc began to lose himself in his anger and bitterness; and became an Atlas of sorts in his own mind: tasked to hold the world on his shoulders and endure, and endure, and endure, because he feels he HAS to. Unlike Jean, Diluc does not really have anyone he can personally confide in. Sure his staff support him, but that's not really the same thing. Kaeya used to be his right hand man, but after they fell out Diluc probably felt he had nobody to turn to. As far as he's concerned, he's the only Ragnvindr left (while he and Kaeya do seem on better terms lately, they haven't officially reconciled) and so it's up to him to make sure Crepus is remembered positively.

Thankfully though in the game as Diluc warms up to you he seems to trust you and realize that he doesn't have to do everything alone and it's okay to have friends help you; and that you don't have to be self-reliant to an unhealthy degree. He's still got a ways to go, but he's definitely growing and that brings me joy.

Eula Lawerence

In Eula's case, her name is also a burden but unlike Jean and Diluc, it's one she wants to get rid of as soon as possible. She's essentially their negative foil; and shares a few similarities such as attempting to shoulder most things herself (her only friends canonically thus far are Amber and Yanfei) and having a strong sense of duty, but she's doing it because of personal drive; not to honor anyone else. Eula is also at a bit of a crossroads: her family hates her for joining the Knights, and the people of Mondstat hate her because she's a Lawerence: it's a lose-lose situation either way; and so Eula doesn't try to prove any suspicions wrong because it wouldn't matter: her right doings are viewed with hostility and suspicion and her wrong doings would just be used as proof that nothing good comes from the Lawrences; so she plays the part and allows people to think what they will.

HOWEVER.

Eula's sarcasm is a bit of a turn off for many people (and understandably so); and while I acknowledge that it is most likely a defense and coping mechanism, it is not a HEALTHY coping mechanism. Humor is subjective and folks have the right to be weirded out or even uncomfortable with her jokes of vengeance and reclaiming her family's former glory (she jokes about that in her greeting voiceline); especially considering that her folks well..kept slaves. As you get closer to Eula it becomes more and more apparent that she doesn't mean a lot of what she says but that doesn't negate the fact that her family has done a lot of damage and while Eula herself should not be held accountable for that in particular; it IS her responsibility to be mindful of the harm that has been done and act accordingly. It's not right for people to treat her like trash just because of her lineage; but on the flip side it's also not acceptable to make jokes about restoring the honor of slave owners around the people they used to hold in captivity. Just because she's been a victim of her family and the people around her does not make it okay. Her trauma is valid, but her trauma does not validate her behavior. (Does that make sense? I hope it does.) And hopefully somebody calls her out on it, sooner rather than later; and she can learn to cope in a healthier way and actually start healing.

If things come down to it, Eula is willing to destroy her family completely; and I think about that a lot: hating your family so much that to nip them in the bud would only bring relief and peace. That's an awful existence and honestly?? I wouldn't wish it on anyone; and I hope that Eula can find people who she actually feels safe with. Again though, she needs to acknowledge that her behavior can be potentially harmful in her quest to rid herself of the burden of her family name and find better ways to protect herself emotionally.

Anyways, that's my thoughts for today; if you read all the way to the end, thank you. :]

[eleanore-delphinium]

The Gift: Chapter 2 (Childhood Arc)

Chapter One

Chapter Two: (you are here)

Jean & Diluc

Diluc and Jean became acquainted with one another at the age of ten and eight respectively. Diluc was a rather bright and happy child growing up and Jean was quiet and reserved. It came to a surprise to a lot of people how the pair got along so well.

In fact, Diluc could be considered rather rambunctious and reckless and Jean was cautious and critical. And because of that, the others who didn’t question how they got along, understood why they did. They were what they considered opposites attract, Yin and Yang.

“Diluc! Wait up for me!” A ten-year old Jean complained as she climbed up a rock with difficulty. She looked up from climbing and a hand was outstretched in front of her. It came from a boy with red hair and red eyes—Diluc Ragnvindr, heir to the Dawn Winery. Her silver eyes glittered under the sun with a hint of blue as she felt blinded and surprised by the presence of the boy in front of her as the sun right behind him.

She took his hand and he pulled her up. The wind blew her blonde hair around.

“Look, I told you that there were knights fighting some hilichurls!” The twelve-year-old Diluc said proudly. He had dragged Jean out so that they could look at some knights in action.

“I’m going to be one of them, Jean. And I will defend Mondstadt with everything I got!” His claymore faded behind him in gold dust, in her eyes it made him look like he was shining as he said those words. Her grey-blue eyes silently look at the claymore floating behind his back as it reappeared in gold dust again.

“You have been training hard.” She couldn’t help but remark, as it was after all the truth. He had been training very hard at swordsmanship at the age of eight, despite it being a skill he didn’t necessarily need. And when he got his vision at the age of ten, it was like the world was fully his, at least that was what he told Jean. But it was different for her, she had trained her posture and strikes with wooden swords since she was five and slowly changed into different kinds of swords as she grew and improved. Recently she had started using an actual sharp metal sword fitted for her. In her case, learning swordsmanship was a necessity. 

Jean is known to be the more responsible one between the two, it was a fact that Diluc had set his heart out to being a Knight of Favonius. And Jean wasn’t quite sure about her future, but it was already decided for her, as a Gunnhildr it is natural to be a Knight of Favonius.

She had just recently decided to take up the sword and try to follow her mother’s desires with a passion that should compete with Diluc, but she didn’t even know what her objective was after mastering the short sword. If it was something she even wanted to do.

“Don’t worry Jean, you’re going to be a great swordsman. I know it.” Diluc said, feeling that Jean was slightly upset. She looked at him with pressed lips, he has always known what he wanted to become.

“Says the heir to the Dawn Winery.” She mumbled, and he bumped onto her shoulder playfully.

“That is my Father’s legacy. Of course, I will keep that alive, but I also need to chase my own dreams.” He replied smoothly, she felt as though it must have been something he had known for a long time. 

She was envious of that certainty.

Diluc pulled her to hide behind a small bump on the ground. She quietly observed the Knights of Favonius by Diluc’s side and she was rather impressed with their fighting skills. She could only hope to be at that level soon. Jean looked at Diluc and she knew that the boy beside her would surpass the knights fighting right now.

“We should probably go.” Jean urged gently and Diluc looked at her with a slightly stern gaze.

“We just got here, Jean.” He responded quietly.

“But—” Jean said but was cut off.

“Don’t worry, if anything happens, I can protect you!” Diluc said confidently and in all honesty, Jean knew he could, he was rather capable for a twelve-year-old, but her innate nature wouldn’t allow it or perhaps it was her training.

“Diluc—” She tried again.

“They are over here!” A man called out pointing to the kids, and Diluc automatically grabbed Jean’s hand and ran away from the man.

“I can’t believe they found us.” Diluc said as he ran holding her hand firmly, Jean who was forced to follow him wanted to pull her hand away.

“Diluc, I think we should go back.” Jean tried to urge Diluc again.

“No, we just got out! Aren’t you tired of always studying?” He grabbed her and hid behind a tree as he silently observed if they were followed, and they saw no one behind them.

“C’mon, I think we can go to the Winery.” Diluc took a step forward but Jean remained planted on where she stood.

“That’s pretty far, Diluc.” Jean mumbled faintly.

“We’ve gone there many times before.” Diluc replied, keeping an eye for any movement around them.

“With permission.” She quietly added. “This time I ran away from training, you do realize that I will have to make-up for what happened today, some other day.”

“You’re just ten—they are overworking you.” He said sternly and she avoided his red eyes. Diluc was virtually perfect, he could be very good at something new and master it just as easily. And since he has a fiery passion for his claymore and combat, it was natural that he would more than just excel at it. He was at a level no one should be at—at the age of twelve, especially since he started late in training compared to her.

But the same thing could be said about Jean, she knew more than what a ten-year-old should know. But that was a result of the kind of upbringing she had. The sheer effort that she had to always display and give to please her mother, as the next heir of the Gunnhildr clan. And yet, she knew very clearly how Diluc had tried his very best to offer her a glimpse of a normal childhood.

Jean in a sense, aspired to be him in so many ways.

She was very much inspired by his capability. And his passion for justice. And his freedom.

“Alright.” She agreed quietly, even though in her head she disagreed completely. She will have to pay the price of what they are doing today, she knew it well. But looking at Diluc’s clear eyes, she couldn’t help but sigh in hushed tranquility. Diluc was always admirable.

And they carefully made their way to the Dawn Winery while Diluc kept an eye out for anyone following them. They arrived unfollowed, but they realized someone was at his villa’s front yard, Diluc’s father—Crepus was arguing with a blonde-haired woman, the same shade as Jean’s hair. Jean recognized the back of the woman before the woman’s voice could even register in Jean’s head.

Crepus' eyes glanced behind the woman, who had seen his eyes shift and turned around to see Jean and Diluc. The moment she finished her turn, Diluc automatically stood in front of Jean with a glare directed at the older woman.

“Diluc, you have been causing trouble.” Crepus said with crossed arms, but his eyes held the smallest hint of delight at his son’s antics.

“They are overworking Jean!” Diluc argued back with a stronger glare directed at the older woman.

“That is none of your business, kid.” The woman replied.

“She is just a kid; she should be playing around!” Diluc yelled and received a cold glare from the woman. It was cold enough to make him flinch.

“She is not just a kid; she will be the future leader of the Gunnhildr clan.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Frederica,” Crepus called out to the woman in front of him and she tilted her head a bit to the right acknowledging him. “She should still be able to play around like a normal child.” There was a silence that passed by them.

“Jean, what do you think?” Her cold blue eyes landed on the girl behind Diluc who remained quiet in the presence of her mother.

“I do not dare to question my mother's upbringing. I am raised to be well equipped as the future leader of our clan.” Hearing Jean’s reply, Diluc could not help but clench his fists.

It is true that when Diluc was ten he had received his vision, and worked hard to do justice to it. He chose to not play around with children his age because he wanted to master his craft and join the Knights of Favonius even more now that he had a vision. But that was not the case for Jean and he was so aware of his privilege.

“Jean.” Diluc turned to look at her but her expression was steely as she stared back at him.

“When I went out with you today, I knew this would happen. It is inevitable. I thank you for the company Diluc, but sadly I will have to go now.” Jean gently touched Diluc’s shoulder whose face showed his guilt. “Do not feel bad, I wanted to join you.” She gave a faint smile. It was the truth that she wanted to go with him when he arrived under her windowsill earlier that day, even though she knew that there would be consequences that would follow.

“Mother, I apologize for my actions.” Jean stepped out from behind Diluc and approached her mother. “I will take responsibility for my actions.”

“Good, as it should be as the future head of the family.” Frederica said the cold stare from her blue eyes made Jean think her mother’s gaze was certainly made of ice.

“Jean, I—” Jean turned to look at Diluc and the sadness in her face made him pause.

“Till next time then.” Jean feigned a smile and did not wait for a reply from Diluc as she turned to look at her mother. “I am ready, mother.”

“Crepus.” Frederica said with a pointed look towards Crepus and a raised brow. “I would advise you to correct your son’s behavior, but I doubt you would.”

Crepus did not take Frederica’s words as offensive, instead he smiled and nodded to her pretending to take it into consideration. Frederica knew that he was just nodding out of politeness.

Jean followed behind her mother as the two went their way. Diluc’s gaze followed Jean until she was out of his sight and he thought that she looked so forlorn. But she never glanced back at him before she completely disappeared from his sight.

“I hope you had fun.” Crepus couldn’t help but say and Diluc finally turned his head to look at his father who appeared sad.

“I did… but-“ He looked back at the general direction of where he had last seen the mother and daughter pair. “Will she be in big trouble?” He added quietly.

“Frederica wouldn’t give her daughter a hard time, I’m sure of it.” Crepus replied but Diluc looked at his father with pressed lips. He knew his father was lying to comfort him, but Diluc nodded and slowly walked into the mansion with unhurried steps.

“Brother!” A blue haired boy called out to Diluc from atop the staircase, Diluc smiled when his eyes met the other boy’s periwinkle eyes.

“Kaeya.” Diluc said and his distress from what happened outside was completely forgotten after seeing his brother. He quickly walked up the stairs and Kaeya’s eyes widened with delight.

“Father, I will accept any punishment you decide to give me due to my actions!” Diluc said as he ran to his younger brother halfway through the stairs.

Kaeya was a year younger than Diluc and he was adopted over a year ago due to certain circumstances.  Kaeya used to be such a cold child, but with great effort, Diluc and Kaeya became close and Kaeya came to look up to his older brother Diluc with much love and respect.

When Diluc reached the top of the stairs Kaeya pulled his brother towards the library door. Diluc chuckled as he watched this playful child attempt to drag him away. He wasn’t always like this, it brought Diluc happiness seeing how joyful and playful Kaeya has become.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you two were up to!” Crepus replied as he watched his two sons with much love in his eyes.

“Kaeya, you seem way too excited.” Crepus laughed looking at his two sons, even though he is pleased in knowing how cheerful the blue haired boy has become after what has happened to him. Although he has to admit that he was very surprised to see that Kaeya developed a great respect for Diluc.

“This is for us boys only!” Kaeya yelled back to his father as he pushed Diluc into the library and shut the door behind him with a bang.

Crepus did not think that the slamming of the door was disrespectful, he knew that Kaeya was merely too excited and Crepus laughed wondering what the two boys could possibly be talking about.

“So, did you see her?” Kaeya asked instantly as he held his brother’s shoulder and Diluc laughed at his reaction.

“Yes, I did.” Diluc replied and his younger brother looked at him as he waited for more to be said. The joy in Diluc’s face slowly faded as he sighed and turned around.

“Based on your reaction, something bad happened?” Kaeya said as he followed behind Diluc who sat on a chair with another sigh.

“Her mother came here to pick her up.” Diluc said in an exasperated tone.

“Ah, that was what that was.” Kaeya mumbled as a frown formed on his lips. “So, you weren’t able to show her?” Kaeya sounded quite upset.

“Why do you sound more upset than me?” Diluc playfully retorted as he crossed his arms over his stomach.

“I went through all that trouble to distract our father.” Kaeya glared at his brother as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You weren’t even able to show her what this was all for. Jean’s mother is too much!”

Diluc stared at his brother who was obviously fuming in anger and laughed.

“It is alright, there are still more chances to see her.” Diluc looked at Kaeya, whose anger was slowly dissipating.

“Have you done your training for today?” Diluc inquired and Kaeya shook his head.

“Then, get your sword and let’s go out and train.” Diluc then stood up. “I will go and inform father.”

“Alright.” Kaeya replied as Diluc walked out. “I will follow in a bit.” Kaeya took a peek from the window and noticed the pair of blondes climbing onto a carriage with the Gunnhildr crest.

But on that day Diluc was gravely mistaken, he had thought he would see Jean again, unfortunately it would take three months to be able to see each other again. He had attempted to see her, but the security and Frederica would not let him through. He did not expect that she would go this far because he had forced Jean to ditch her lessons for a few hours.

Diluc’s mood had soured when he realized in the third week that Jean’s mother would drag this out. She might even use this opportunity to cut off ties. He was quite angry.

“Diluc,” Kaeya got no response. “Brother?” Kaeya called out a little louder in worry as he saw his brother’s expression turn dark.

“Brother!” Kaeya shook Diluc and the latter stared at his brother and sighed.

“I’m sorry I’m making you worry.” Diluc said, resting a hand on Kaeya’s shoulder.

“The Winery hasn’t hosted a party in a while. Your birthday is coming up.” Kaeya said matter-of-factly and Diluc raised a brow at Kaeya, catching on to what he was implying. “And a festival in Monstadt will soon follow, I’m sure something could be arranged.” A warm smile appeared on the red boy’s face.

“Yes. You are right.” Diluc agreed, recalling a memory from two years ago.

“A Party.” Diluc said and Kaeya couldn’t help but be charmed by his brother’s smile. One day, he too would have such charisma.

CHAPTER THREE

[dandelion-wings]

#i just think a lot about jean taking on the gunnhildr legacy and needing to figure out how to pay tribute without getting stuck in the past#like it’s so interesting how jean’s relationships with the younger women in her life mirror her relationship with frederica#like the way she holds klee to an impossible standard without truly figuring out why she acts the way she does#“continuous self improvement is one’s duty” etc etc#but also the way she shelters noelle#maybe in an attempt to be the protection she herself never had#like how do you leave that behind without losing everything you are?#anyway. messy family dynamics >>>

“i will be better than my mother” not as a declaration of spite but as an act of tribute. you know?

not simply “i will be better than my mother because she messed me up and i refuse to be like her”

but instead “i will be better than my mother because she taught me to be, because she instilled these values into me even though she sometimes failed to live up to them”

“i will be better than my mother because she laid the foundation for me, because she shed the wrongs of the past as best as she could even if she could not lose all of them”

“i will be better than my mother because she would want me to be”